Isle of Palms Public Safety Annual Fundraising Banquet
The LENS IOP Annual Banquet is a cherished tradition that brings the Isle of Palms community together each May during National Police Week to celebrate community, support our local first responders, and foster a stronger, safer island. Organized by the LENS Foundation Isle of Palms, this lively gathering directly supports our police and fire departments, raising essential funds to enhance public safety and community well-being.
What makes this event especially memorable is its unique theme each year, bringing fresh excitement to every banquet. In 2025, our "Neighborhood Block Party" featured the island's largest block party at Islander 71 with plenty of entertainment for families. In 2024, our “Taste of the Island” theme at The Citadel Beach Club gave attendees a chance to sample featured dishes from local restaurants in a friendly competition for the top spot. In 2023, the event took place at Wild Dunes and featured a spirited live auction hosted by Tom Crawford, while in 2022, the focus was on fabulous food at Islander 71. Looking ahead, our May 2026 banquet theme will be the "Cheese Ball" featuring a Big Cheese competition amongst fundraisers, a sit-down dinner, dancing, wine and cheese reception, live orchestra, and keynote speaker Doug Mills.
Each year, attendees can expect an inspiring night filled with great food, live entertainment, community connection, and the chance to make a real difference. Join us this May to support a cause that impacts every resident and to celebrate the incredible spirit that makes Isle of Palms home!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE 2026 BANQUET: THE CHEESE BALL
May 14, 2026 from 4:30-10pm at the Osprey Ballroom at Wild Dunes Resort
The LENS Foundation invites you to the 2026 LENS Banquet—The Cheese Ball—a spirited evening in support of the Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments. Your ticket not only benefits our first responders, but also helps cover the cost for them and their families to attend. The night kicks off with a Wine & Cheese Reception and open bar from 4:30–6 PM, followed by a seated dinner and dancing from 6–10 PM. Tickets are $125 per person if purchased by April 1, 2026, and $150 thereafter. We’re honored to announce this year’s event is co-chaired by all past and present Isle of Palms mayors: Dick Cronin, Jimmy Carroll, Mike Sottile, and Phillip Pounds.
Twelve community members are competing in a friendly fundraising showdown to be crowned The Big Cheese at our 2026 LENS Banquet. Each contestant is rallying support to raise the most “cheddar” for the LENS Foundation’s mission to support Isle of Palms police officers, firefighters, and their families. You can help by choosing a contestant to support—every donation made through their personal fundraising link pushes them up the leaderboard. The top fundraiser will take home the title of Big Cheese at The Cheese Ball on May 14, 2026!
Give Back to Those Who Give Everything
Your Ticket or Sponsorship Supports Local First Responder Families
Sponsor the Cheese Ball!
Sponsor The Cheese Ball, the 2026 LENS Foundation Banquet supporting our Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments. Your sponsorship helps fund critical community support, hardship assistance, and education scholarships for first responder families—while also promoting your business across event materials, marketing, and our network of island supporters. Join us in celebrating and giving back to those who serve and protect our community every day.
Excellent service and support!
Explore the Big Cheese Leaderboard to see who’s rising to the top! Each contestant is raising funds to support the Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments, and your donation helps them climb the ranks. Choose your favorite “cheddar champ,” contribute to their goal, and cheer them on as they compete to be crowned The Big Cheese at The Cheese Ball!
What We Accomplished in 2024
Your support has impact you can see and feel. In 2024, LENS expanded full support to both the Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments, sponsored community safety and youth programs, funded firefighter wellness initiatives, and provided leadership training for officers. LENS also ensured first responder families were cared for during holidays, back-to-school season, and times of personal hardship. The majority of funds—68%—went directly to programs and assistance, reflecting LENS’s commitment to financial integrity and purpose-driven spending. When you donate or attend The Cheese Ball, you are truly strengthening the wellbeing, morale, and future of our first responders and their families.
Serving Those Who Serve Us
The LENS Foundation exists to support the men and women who safeguard our island every day. In 2024 alone, LENS provided over $71,000 in direct assistance to Isle of Palms police officers, firefighters, and their families. These funds helped cover emergency housing, storm damage repairs, medical expenses not covered by insurance, and essential equipment and training. LENS also awarded more than $30,000 in educational scholarships and funded hardship assistance and family support programs during times of crisis. Community events—like the Wild Child Triathlon, Bike Rodeo, and First Responder Appreciation Nights—help strengthen the bond between our first responders and the community they protect.
Every donation fuels real, immediate help for those who are always ready to help us.
